In this post we’re going to talk about Essential oil uses – Essential oils for beginnings – Bad essential oils – Doterra – Young Living – Uses – Diffusers to help you decide if essential oils are useful!
A little backstory:
A certain oil company (who’s name rhymes with “doe-ferra”) contacted me on 9/9/15 both by phone and by email telling me to take this post down, or make it in compliance. I did initially sign up as a distributor (although the only one I distributed to is myself and my mom) and I have terminated that contract. I was going to take the post down, but I felt like it IS a helpful-unbiased post. They did ask that I remove trademark as they told me this is violation of copyright law, and while I am wary of this type of stepping on my first amendment rights, I decided to take the funny way out — as I usually do. I hope you enjoy this post and find it helpful. You’ll notice I have had to remove some of their proprietary names, which is fine — I have left any basic herb names alone. If you have questions, you are always welcome to email me or commend below and I’ll answer
A few years later my oils were starting to run dry and I was looking for a replacement. After tying some on Amazon and nevre being sure of their authenticity (although, I think I’ve found a few good brands there) I have also started using Rocky Mountain oils. I don’t love the smell of theirs as much as I loved that “other” company’s — but I find that they work better. Instead of a headache going away for 30 minutes, it goes away entirely — so I’d recommend checking them out. They do have a money-back guarantee.
I work at a hospital. I’m a pro-modern medicine girl. I’ve had a CT scan, I have a loving relationship with toradol (when prescribed for kidney stones). I am a believer in antibiotics and blood pressure pills. But, I’m also a girl with a REALLY high deductible and I have 3 kids. Germs attack us from kindergarten, church, high school, & the hospital. I mean, frankly — friends, we are a cesspool. I need a way to try to keep us as healthy as possible without seeing someone with an MD behind his/her name (also, I hate talking to doctors when I’m not paid to do so — true story). What are some essential oil uses?
I have a lot of friends who are big fans of essential oils. Now, a bit of a backstory. I went to BYU for nursing school and there came a point where I was BURNED out. I took an alternative methods of healing class. I learned about diagnosing through electric impulses, I adjusted chakras, I went to Young Living farm on a field trip (mind you, this was 1997 — so they also had ostrich on the farm). It was actually a REALLY helpful class to just understand where a lot of these people are coming from.
I’m still not a big believer though. I haven’t adjusted a chakra in years, chiropractors still seem sketchy, I think each thing has its place. And then I came upon Wishgarden and had SUCH a great experience with that stuff. I still do — HUGE fan of it. I started to wonder if there were areas I wasn’t giving a sufficient chance. And perhaps they were things that COULD help my family.
Fast forward to this summer. My Sister in Law is a big essential oil fan and we were stuck together for a couple of days. I decided we were going to give them a try. I put my money where my willingness to try was. I bought a bunch of them. I wanted to try a few things and really see if it was helpful. Here are my honest thoughts on the things I bought: {I bought ALL of these oils with my own money, and my reviews are ALL my own}
BTW, if you’re looking to START with essential oils, I love this kit. It may seem a bit pricey but it includes all the stuff you’re going to want to try out to start!
Lavender Essential Oils
I am LOVING this for bug bites. However, I have some dry/irritated skin on my neck (sometimes looks like a hickey) that I’ve applied the lavender too and it has irritated it more. It’s not a cure all. But it is good for bug bites, 100%. I am not a big fan of the lavender smell — so that is something to keep in mind when you’re using it (or any of the oils).
Find Lavender Oil Here
Peppermint Essential Oil
I haven’t used this one much yet. My dad has had some prostate issues and he tried it with it and didn’t find a great effect.
Find Peppermint Oil Here
Mellaluca and Oregano Essential Oils
I just got a cold, and my sister in law recommended 5 drops of each of these in a geletin capsule and take it orally (Oregano SHOULD NOT be taken directly, only in a capsule). Within a day I was feeling a LOT better. Colds are usually a 3-5 day thing for me, and this cut it to a day and a half basically. I’ll certainly try it again next time.
Oregano is so strong, I haven’t tried it from anyone else — but I have tried tea tree oil (or Mellaluca) and I love it!
** The more I learn the more hesitant I am to put oils into my body, but it is something I have tried in the past.
Oil to help with breathing
The name of this oil shall not be used but it rhymes with seethe, and it may start with the letter B — and it may not.
I have not had great luck with this when I’m stuffed up. I did have a little wheezing one night, and tried it — rubbing it on my hands, and then putting my hands over my mouth and sucking in. It did help, the wheezing stopped. Just like albeuterol without the whole nasty heart rate effect I usually get. Just not so good to clear secretions.
Find a similar oil here.
Headache Essential Oils
The name of this oil shall not be named but it would be if you were really tense a few hours ago but not anymore. You’d be PAST being tense….
I have tried this with headache, and it does give me pretty immediate relief for a time, but then the headache always comes back. I think I’ll take it with tylenol and sudafed next time to get immediate relief, as well as something to fix it.
Find a headache essential oil here.
Orange & Grapefruit & Lemon Essential Oils
Smells nice. I like them in the diffuser, but I haven’t really used it for any health benefits.
Digestion Oil
The name of this oil shall not be named, but it’s something your stomach does, combined with the first word of one of my favorite high school reading selections
WHILE in Utah I got a nasty stomach bug. HORRIBLE, but I just rubbed some of this on my tummy and cramps completely stopped within 5 minutes. CRAZY. I have tried it a couple of times since then. I think I might try it in a capsule next time – -but I’m a believer.
Try a tummy oil here.
Immunity Essential Oil
I have this diffusing fairly frequently. This is our first cold, so maybe it’s working — hard to say. I do really like how it smells though, so it might be a good winter scent for our house.
Essential Oils for Muscle Soreness
I am actually doing a comparison between Doterra’s Deep Blue, Rocky Mountain Relieve Me and JadeBloom’s Soothe — and frankly, so far they’ve all been AWESOME! Read my whole post about it here.
The name of this oil shall not be named but it is something you have when you’re really peaceful. I can’t think of anything clever to say. I am fired. Suffice it to say it didn’t work so I’m not sure why I am taking the time to type this all out. 🙁
Totally didn’t work for sleeplessness for me. Sorry
Frankincense
I used Doterra’s on my daughter’s scorpion sting and she seemed to heal very quickly. Good stuff!
Female Problems essential oils
The name of this oil shall not be named but it ends with calm and the first word rhymes with fairy.
I got my IUD replaced this fall and I put on some of this and it worked right away for the cramps. I don’t get a whole lot of “female” issues — but if I do this will be super handy, and I’m a believer. Find one here.
So, if I was buying again — what would I re-purchase? (9/15 update- – please be aware some oil names needed to be removed)
**I want to be clear that I’m only sharing oils I’ve tried and had luck with — you’ll notice that I only have it for the first few oils and that is because I have tried those product (Full disclosure: Rocky Mountain did send me some oils, that I ended up really liking). A few of them I haven’t tried yet — and I’d encourage you to try oils from which ever brand you’ve found to like. I think they are worth the experiment.
FOR SURE:
Oregano and Mellaluca — Seriously, cutting down the time I’m down with a cold is HUGE. That is GREAT!
Digestion — I’m a believer
Lavender — for itching, this stuff is pretty cheap and very effective.
My ❤️ hotels for your 2024 trip:
– Best Western Park Place — it’s the CLOSEST hotel, has a breakfast and if it’s available for your dates, BOOK IT. If not, check out the Tropicana.
– Cambria – this is my favorite one with a great price point for larger groups – has a water park and free breakfast (not walkable though) – but if you want a walkable suite check out Castle Inn
Maybe…
Clary Calm I don’t have too many female issues so I don’t use this often — I wish I could remember it when PMS is raging in my mind, but usually I’m just so mad at the world, Clary Clam isn’t on the radar.
Migrain Relief— it is good for headaches…. for a bit
Respiratory — could be helpful for the winter bronchitis yucca we usually get. Verdict is out as of yet.
Msucle Soreness Oil— maybe we just aren’t sore enough? I have heard SO much love for this thing….
I’d pass:
The citrus oils — they smell nice, but I’m not sure that’s worth it. I have heard Lemon can do a lot, but we have yet to use it medicinally
“Peaceful” — nope, not serene. Not even a little.
Anyway – -that is my unbiased opinion on the oils. I actually am REALLY glad I purchased them. For instance, I already missed one day of work due to that cold, but not I’m good enough to go back tomorrow. That’s money we would have lost otherwise. And again, the less I have to speak to physicians, the better. Am I right? There are SO many oil opinions out there, but most of the time they’re by people who got them for free or people who sell them. I’m neither. Since I like to take them orally — I do want them to be of a superior quality.
Do you have experience with essential oils? Something I’m missing, or something I loved that you didn’t? Share below!
Below, you can get my essential oil blend that has saved our family a ton of money — and don’t miss my other family health posts below that:
Rachelle says
Lemon on the bridge of your nose will help to stop the “running” , works for my entire family. Breathe is what got us hooked on E.Os and Doterra. I have found you need to use it often for it to work properly.
Past tense! I love this stuff, but yes the headaches to come back, my opinion on this is because it’s treating the symptoms and not the cause. How are you using it? I roll it across my forehead , on my temples and on the back of my neck (be careful not to get it in your eyes)
If it does , use coconut oil and NOT WATER. water spreads oils, coconut oil dilutes it.
Hilary says
So, if you have a runny nose put it on your bridge? I hadn’t heard that, I’ll have to try it next time! That’s where I use Past Tense also! I’ve been trying to use that along with some kick ass sinus and that often does the trick! The past tense works right away, giving the kick A a bit to work its magic as well (and often a tylenol too).
Shellie says
I’ve been an MA at an allergy/asthma office for 16 years. My doctors are medicine minded only and think anything like EO’s are quacky. I’ve had migraines for years and have been to many doctors and had all kinds of scans and pills, nothing helps as of yet.
I’m new to DoTerra, but I’m researching through trial and error. As with anything, not all will work the same for everyone. Claritin works for some as Allegra works better for others. Right?
I’m hoping I will learn more as time goes on. I’ve heard Breathe does real well in the diffuser at night to help sinuses.
Best of luck everyone!!
Hilary says
I tend to find the best doctors are open to whatever helps patients. If you’re really suffering, try as much as you can — that’s my philosophy!
Jessica says
I really enjoyed reading your thoughts. I have been using the oils for about 6 months now and have noticed a huge difference…so much that I became a Wellness Advocate for doTERRA two months after starting! Here are my thoughts…
Peppermint is definitely my go to oil for almost everything. From headaches to menstrual cramps to coughs I use it for everything.
Lemon and wild orange are great for flavoring, both water and in cooking. Both uplift my mood and while I don’t really use them for medicinal purposes I am sure they are helping!
Purify I clean with…everything I need to clean.
Eucalyptus, peppermint, and cypress mixed together killed a cough for me.
Rosemary and oregano killed strep throat.
Frankincense I have but haven’t used yet, although I think it smells great.
I have a collection of about 20 oils so far that I have used and loved. One thing I learned is that what may work for one person may not for someone else. I rub peppermint on me while my mother chooses to drink with water. You just have to find a method that works for you!
All in all I love them!
Hilary says
Yeah, I agree that it’s trial and error. Hopefully some more quality companies come on the market and the price goes down (and availability goes up).
ann says
My comment about minds slamming shut was harsh in a way I did not mean it to be. What was I thinking? That’s my general observation about all people and I meant, simply that we should keep an open mind in life to receive the full benefits of living in a glorious world!
Actually Hillary, this post is very open minded and as unbiased as any I’ve read on the subject. Clearly you are open or are at least open to being open. And look what happened… You started a great conversation and got to see for yourself the outcome of trying something new.
Please accept my apology and converse on.
Hilary says
Haha, I wasn’t bothered by it at all. My mind couldn’t be less like a steel trap. i wish it was. Maybe there’s an oil to fix that. 😉
Rebecca says
I put 1 drop peppermint, 1 drop lavender & 1 drop lemon in 1 Tablespoon water & swallowed it. My sinus congestion was gone almost instantly & stayed gone all day.
Hilary says
Woah, yeah…. interesting!
Holly says
We have used oil of oregano for ear infections! It needs cut in a few drops of a carrier oil or out feels like it’s burning, but rub several drops in around the ear and down the corroted artery every couple hours… bam!
Hilary Erickson says
Oregano is amazing! (when used right)
Rebekah says
I am an RN as well, and use EO. I also was skeptical, but thought I’d share my experience. Throughout the years on working on my feet all the time I developed plantar fasciatis I’ve found significant relief with lemongrass and/or orange on the bottom of my feet. My husband and son have severe asthma (which has required multiple hospitalizations) I started using deep blue daily on both of them; rubbing it on their chest. When they get start getting congested I do it twice a day, along with on guard on their feet. Both of their asthma symptoms have improved significantly and even able to decrease or stop some medication. I use the peppermint /lavender combo for my headaches. It does usually take a couple applications, but I don’t get the vision changes and nausea/vomiting and photosensitivity that I used to. I like the on guard for colds and prevention too. I do use the deep blue for muscle aches and sports injuries for my kids. I haven’t used any internally, but I’m still learning and researching.
Hilary says
I have taken some internally — and they were really helpful. Good luck in your EO journey! Good to know about those helping with asthma!
Annette says
Something I wanted to share that’s worked for me and controlling mood swings – apply doTerra’s Clary Calm over the lymph nodes (in the armpit region) daily before applying deodorant. My husband has noticed the difference and that means more than whether or not I think it’s working. 🙂
Hilary says
Hmm… I have that. I should try it!
Jessica says
Hi Hilary,
You mentioned in another post that essential oils help ward off mosquitoes. I’m pregnant and live in the south so I want to avoid mosquito bites without the use of chemical sprays. You linked to this page on your post about zika. But I don’t see which oil you think works as a repellant. Lavender I see is for after a bite but I don’t want to get any, lol.
Thanks!
Hilary says
SORRY! That would’ve been helpful — I use DoTerra’s TerraShield.
Brooke says
Omg…..this is classic! Love the name changes! I’m a wellness advocate with doTERRA. I love your honesty on each product. I love my oils and I find that most work but of course not all for everyone! Hanks for the giggle! Keep em coming!
Rebecca says
I just bought a essential oil “starter set” so this was an interesting read, along with other readers helpful comments. Also, very interesting on how you had taken an alternative methods of healing class! Have you ever considered doing a post on adjusting chakras? I’m totally into alternative healing and would love to read one!
Hilary says
I don’t really get into chakras…. I haven’t had enough experience with them…..
My Momma Bear Life says
I’m a nurse as well and work at a surgical center in the GI department. I love essential oils and use them daily, but like you I am not afraid to use meds to help (cronic migraines sometimes need a little extra love). I’m so confused why a company would not want you to include any positive information regarding their product, that seems rather counter-productive.
P.S. I swear by frankincense for my facial care (gets rid of under-eye bags and wrinkles), excema, and when my son had warts. Best stuff on earth!
Hilary Erickson says
hmm…. who knows… I think it has something to do with the FDA….
Where do you get your frankincense?